August complete internet

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Senior Director Thomas Corbin Creative Director Thomas Corbin Art Director Thomas Corbin Photography Thomas Corbin Art & LayOut Thomas Corbin Writers Thomas Corbin Latoya Corbin Phone (757) 256-0305 Email tcorbinse7en@gmail. com jokerprinting@gmail.com Web www.paragonpresents. com

Hair 14 32 Envy Tanika Butta Cups @ Hair 2 0

In order for any stylist to build a clientele it is important that you have loyal and satisfied clients.

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Low Libido?

Maybe a bigger medical issue!

New Salon in Hampton Making Big Moves!

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Fancy Facepainting

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How Medium and Small

22. businesses stay

competive with larger companies

36 Going Back to School Lighten up the summer

26. with delicious salads and fun activities

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Health Coverage

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Save on Auto Insurance

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Parents prevent heat stroke by never leaving a child alone in car

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uincy Booth (QB aka Mr Casualty) is a local hip-hop artist who has traveled the world performing. As a family man and a member of the Armed Forces, QB recently returned from Japan where he was serving our country.

While away he continued to pursue his love for hip hop and performed for thousands. We asked QB what type of reception he received from fans in Japan and his response surprised us. QB says that his experience overseas was amazing.

‘They love hip hop music and the support for independent and underground artist was unbelievable. The clubs in Japan were eager to allow underground artist like himself to perform and they paid for the performances.’

We asked QB how he felt about some of the current trends in hip hop. QB named 3 trends that he isn’t fond of and wish would go away. 1) The molly movement, 2) Men in dresses, and 3) they lack of originality in today’s music. Unfortunately, one of the current trends in music is to sound like everyone else. While QB enjoys a good trap beat from time to time, he wishes there was more diversity in hip hop. ‘Back in the day, being original was the focus.

Now, everyone looks the same and being original is not encouraged. QB feels that the idea of men in dresses speaks for itself. As far as the molly movement QB proudly asserts that he does not do drugs

and doesn’t support the way that molly has been glorified in music.

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QB feels that it is important to be dedicated to your craft and to take it seriously.

Building a fan base is necessary if you plan to grow as an artist and establish a following. Although QB keeps himself busy with other hobbies besides music he prides himself on taking the time to legitimately build a fan base that is made up of true fans and followers who enjoy and support his music. These days the internet makes it easier to network and collaborate with artist from all over the country and even the world. QB makes the effort to use these resources to expand not only his fan base but to network with other artists who also have a large fan base. He advises anyone who wants to make a career out of music to use every resource available to increase their exposure and to never give up on their dreams. You can do it! QB wants to acknowledge his clique the “.400 Club”, his city Youngstown, Ohio and the Whole 7 Cities for their support.

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ QbAkaMrCasualty

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ButtarCups Fancy Facepainting 10

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t BUTTARCUPS FANCY FACE PAINTING & MORE we bring the fun & excitement to you! We are located in Hampton, Virginia, and specialize in: professional face painting, body art, tattoos, moonwalks & bounce house rentals for all occasions and now we also offer balloon twisting, pamper tweens parties and therapeutic art!! Yes, we love to do birthday parties and special events! For your convenience we do not charge by the hour or per child. We understand that each customer has different needs.

Therefore, we customize special event packages based on your individual needs. We love children and we are dedicated teaching and inspiring them to express themselves through art.

BUTTARCUPS FANCY FACE PAINTING & MORE is now an award winning professional face painting com-

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pany that has been recognized by industry peers Circus Magic Clown Convention. We won 1st and 2nd place in the 5 minute Cheek and 1st and 2nd place in the 10 minute Full Face competition. In addition, BUTTARCUPS FANCY FACE PAINTING & MORE, was apart of the original Virginia team that went to the Bronner Brothers Hair Show where we painted all of the body art and won 1st place, bringing home the first win for Virginia in 67 years.

BUTTARCUPS FANCY FACE PAINTING & MORE proudly serves the community by volunteering and doing charity work.

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In the future, we plan to open a not for profit organization that will create more opportunities for us to give back to the community through art.

For those who are interested in modeling for body art: we are always looking for maternity or individuals for body art. If you are interested in learning how to face paint, we offer a 3 hour workshop for $125 and we are eager to teach you how you can also be inspired by the art form of face painting .

Parents! Bring your children out to KIDS NIGHT Monday - Thursday at the following

locations.

Mondays Plaza Azteca (George Washington Highway, Yorktown): every Monday from 5 to 8, kids eat free all day!

Tuesdays El Taco Loco (Little Neck): every Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30, kids eat for $1!

Facepainting, balloon art, costume characters.

Wednesdays Guads (Hilltop-Laskin Road, Virginia Beach): every Wednes-

day, from 5 to 8.

Kids eat free!

Thursdays Guads (Ward’s Corner, Norfolk): every Thursday, from 5 to 8. Kids eat free!

Can’t wait to see you there!

Call us today: 757-813-2201 Dana aka Buttar Owner/Artist www.buttarcups.com

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Hair 2 O Hair Salon

satile and capable of assuring her client’s satisfaction. Tanika is pleased to guarantee her clients that their satisfaction is of the utmost importance to her.

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anika is the owner and the Head Stylist at H20 Hair Salon in Chesapeake, Virginia. As a licensed stylist since 1998, Tanika specializes in natural as well as chemically treated hair care, locs, permanent and semi-permanent hair color, weaves, and maintaining healthy hair.

In order for any stylist to build a clientele it is impor-

tant that you have loyal and satisfied clients. Also, having a regular stylist is beneficial to the client because your stylist will be familiar with the history of your hair. Tanika’s clients have praised her for her exceptional care of their hair and her passion for assisting them to look their best. Each and every client that visits H20 leaves happy. Whether they are in need of a professional and corporate hairstyle, conservative hairstyle, or funky and edgy, Tanika is ver-

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Considering that many of today’s hair trends include perms, color and weaves, Tanika warns about the importance of taking care of your natural hair at the same time. She explains that while a weave affords you a lot of versatility, and protects your hair at the same time, you can’t neglect your own mane while wearing a weave. It is important to take care of your hair when it’s weaved to ensure that once the weave is removed, your new growth is healthy and lush. Also, when caring for your hair, you must care for the weave hair as

H2O has compete in several hair battles and competitions, where they have won. Tanika has been recognized as a talented stylist by her peers and has been featured in many national magazines, such as, Style Q, Sophisticate’s Black Hair and Hype Hair to name a few.

Call Tanika at (757) 2006826 to schedule a consultation or stop by and visit at

In order for any stylist to build a clientele it is important that you have loyal and satisfied clients. well. Just because you’ll eventually remove it doesn’t mean you can neglect it. Besides cleansing, weave hair needs to be combed to work tangles out. It should be secured at night, either under a satin cap or scarf.

4313 Indian River Road, Chesapeake, VA. H20 offers convenient salon hours to accommodate your schedule. You can also visit their H20’s website at www. h20studio.com.

Tanika shared with us how she became interested in styling hair. At the tender age of eight she showed an interest in doing hair. She became so good at it that parents would send their children to her house in the morning and she would do their hair before school for a small fee.

Tanika’s vision for H20 has expanded from excelling at what she does to opening a beauty school to teach upcoming stylist how they can also excel in the beauty industry.

Throughout the years, Tanika and

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health coverage, it’s more likely that their eligible children get the preventive services they need,” Mann says.

In most states, children up to age 19 may be eligible for either Medicaid or CHIP if their family income is up to $47,700 (for a family of 4 in 2014). In many states, family income can be even higher and children can still qualify. Medicaid and CHIP cover regular check-ups, immunizations, doctor and dentist visits, hospital care, mental health services, prescriptions and more.

Medicaid and CHIP programs may be called different names in different states, like “All Kids,” or “Family Care.” Visit InsureKidsNow.gov and click “Learn About Programs in Your State” to find eligibility information for your state.

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edicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide free or low-cost health coverage for children and teens in families with low and moderate incomes.

Parents and other adults may qualify for Medicaid as well. In many states, more adults are eligible now than ever before.

“We want parents to know that they can enroll their eligible children in Medicaid or CHIP at any time of the year - and parents themselves may be eligible for Medicaid too,” says Cindy Mann, deputy administrator at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “When parents are covered, they can be more productive at work and their families will be more financially secure.”

“Research tells us that when parents have

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Medicaid and CHIP increase access to health care A 2012 analysis conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 29 percent of uninsured children had no usual access to care, compared to only 5 percent of those with private or public insurance.

Enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP helps ensure children’s access to health care services. Between 2008 and 2012, 4 million more children have become insured through these programs. And government data show that 80 percent of children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP had a preventive health visit and 86 percent had a doctor or other health professional visit in 2012.

Families can apply any time for Medicaid and CHIP coverage for children and parents. To learn more, call 1-877-KIDSNOW (1-877-543-7669) or visit InsureKidsNow.gov.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided this information.

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ar insurance can take a bite out of your budget. On average, consumers shelled out nearly $800 for auto insurance for each vehicle in 2011, according to a recent report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

In some states, the annual cost to insure one car topped $1,100.

To cut insurance costs, the first thing to do is talk to your agent. Your agent can tell you about discounts and other painless ways to reduce your premiums, says Charles Valinotti, a senior vice president with insurer QBE North America.

“Insurance companies reward drivers for behaviors that reduce risk,” Valinotti says. “But you have to ask your agent which discounts and savings apply to your situation. You may be surprised to learn the number of ways you can lower your premiums.”

For example, if one of your teenage drivers earns As and Bs in school, you may be eligible for a good student discount, Valinotti says. You may also be eligible for a discount if your son or daughter attends college more than 100 miles from home, and does not have a car at school.

Other ways to save include: * Owning two or more cars and covering them on one policy. * Owning a vehicle that’s outfitted with safety equipment like anti-lock brakes, air bags

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or a security system. * Having a passive anti-theft device, such as a “smart” chip embedded within a car key. * Paying the full cost of the premium up front. * Safe driving. Keep your driving record accident-free for 36 months. * Buying your auto and homeowners, renters or condominium insurance from the same company.

Whatever you do, don’t cut corners with coverage. While it may be tempting, it is best not to buy a policy that offers bare bones coverage. A savvier way to save money would be to increase your deductible, Valinotti advises.

“Rather than buying minimal coverage, think about increasing your potential out-of-pocket cost if you have an accident,” Valinotti says. “If you can handle it, raising your deductible can lower your premium without reducing the amount of coverage on your vehicles. Your agent can tell you exactly how much you’ll save in premiums by choosing a higher deductible policy.”

Don’t focus strictly on cost when choosing an insurer. A company that offers auto insurance at rock bottom prices may not be your friend if it takes forever to handle claims. Do your homework on a company’s record of claims service before you buy coverage.

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ome of the latest changes in technology are making it easier for employees to connect with clients and conduct business both day and night, which makes it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to compete against larger companies.

Just a few years ago, unified communications (UC) systems were commonly found in large enterprises, however with the growth and wide-spread availability of the Internet, this technology is now becoming a competitive edge for small and medium-sized businesses. UC allow employees to interconnect anywhere at any time, helping to increase productivity and collaboration. From online messaging to Internet protocol telephony (IP telephony), businesses of all sizes can take advantage to connect with clients, partners and coworkers at all times of the day.

Since 2012, the actual and planned use of UC has risen 54 percent, according to a November 2013 poll commissioned by Plan-

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tronics. The company, in partnership with Spiceworks, released an infographic to visually show the growth in UC product usage. Two technologies experiencing the greatest increase are mobile extension integration - which allows a company to connect employee cellphones with the company’s landline for purposes of forwarding calls when the employee is on the road, and for identifying calls made from the employee’s cellphone as having come from the company line - and IP telephony - which allows companies to conduct voice, video or fax connections via the Internet. Companies are also planning to boost the usage of Web and video conferencing, instant messaging with presence and softphones - which allow employees to make telephone calls over the Internet.

The use of UC helps remote and mobile employees to stay connected with headquarters and can improve customer service, too, because it makes employees available when customers need them.

Plantronics identified the following five features as necessary parts of a UC system that employees will love: * Unified messaging - All messages from email, voicemail, video, text and all other forms of communication will be gathered in one inbox, making it easy for employees to check and review all messaging in one glance. The phone messages can be accessed with a mobile Bluetooth headset like the Voyager Legend UC, transcribed for reading, or even forwarded to a colleague. * Presence - With many workers now on the road or working remotely, it will be easy for employees and management to see if someone is available with this feature of UC. * Integrated conferencing - A blend of Web and audio conferencing, integrated conferencing allows all employees to participate in meetings, training activities and lectures without having to come into the office.

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* Instant messaging or chat - All employees can quickly connect and hold a discussion about the latest company news with IM or chat capability. These UC tools also allow for the sharing of video or a desktop screen to enhance the communication. * One-number reach - This system gives clients direct access to employees, improving customer relations. One number is provided to clients. When called, this number is routed to all the telecommunications devices selected by the employee, such as their office number, mobile number and home phone, for example. The employee can set it to call all numbers at the same time or sequentially, and if the call is not answered, the system will deliver the caller to the employee’s voicemail.

View the full how-to guide at www.plantronics.com/media/smb/how-to-guide/ SMB_UnifiedCom.pdf.

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times create tension within an otherwise healthy partnership,” says Beth Battaglino, R.N., president and CEO of HealthyWomen. “Women who avoid sex because of low sexual desire may not realize that this could be a sign of a medical issue.

Most women don’t know what female sexual dysfunction is, or understand that conditions like HSDD are real and can be a serious concern for them as well as their partner.”

ith the hectic schedules that many women adhere to, it’s not surprising that many feel stressed out or overwhelmed. The responsibilities of juggling a career, a family and obligations as a wife and mother can be nerve-wracking, and for many women sex is not on their mind.

While this lack of desire may be the result of the day’s stresses, in a number of cases it may be the symptom of a bigger issue.

Nearly one in two non-menopausal women ages 30 to 50 say they have experienced low sexual desire at some point in their lives, and 61 percent of these women felt distressed by it, according to a new survey supported by HealthyWomen and Palatin Technologies, which is developing an on-demand treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a common type of female dysfunction otherwise known as low libido.

HSDD is characterized by a lack of sexual thoughts or desires that cannot be explained by another medical condition.

Though HSDD has been diagnosed for over 30 years, the vast majority of women surveyed had never heard of the condition. But HSDD is very real and, if not recognized, can ruin relationships.

“Sex is an important part of a romantic relationship, so a lack of intimacy can some-

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Survey results support this idea, as 85 percent of surveyed women said they felt low sexual desire would hurt their relationship with their partner and 66 percent felt it would impair communication.

Perhaps more concerning is that nearly half of those who had identified themselves as having HSDD blamed themselves for the condition, and 38 percent said it made them question their worth in their relationship.

“It’s important for women living with HSDD or some other form of female sexual dysfunction to not blame themselves, and they need to feel confident to discuss their concerns with their health care provider and their partner,” Battaglino says.

There are currently no approved medications for the treatment of HSDD, yet 92 percent of women surveyed said they would be interested in a treatment for HSDD. The good news is that medications for HSDD are on the horizon. For more information visit www.palatin.com.

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he arrival of summer means families are looking for ways to lighten up when it comes to the clothes they’re wearing and the foods they’re eating.

They’re starting to incorporate fresh, light flavors into their meals, especially as local fruits and vegetables become available. And with the warmer weather, it’s much easier to get outside for activities the entire family will enjoy.

If you’re interested in revamping your eating routine and helping your family shape up for the summer, we’ve got some helpful hints: * Flavorful and nutrient-rich salad pairings - Summer is the time for salads, which can be loaded up with fresh, locally grown ingredients. The leafy base you choose for your salad can also give your family plenty of power-packed nutrients. For example: Romaine lettuce - contains vitamins A, K and C Field greens - rich in iron and magnesium Spinach - contains calcium, fiber and beta-carotene Pair all three greens together for a powerful, nutritious punch. Top off the salad with the right pairing of flavors. For example, tomato salads work beautifully with Marzetti Simply Dressed Balsamic or Light Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing, while Southwestern-style salads are delicious with the addition of corn and lime juice or black beans and avocados.

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* Turn ordinary into extraordinary - Grilled veggies and crunchy textures turn routine salads into something you can’t wait to dig into. Grill carrots, zucchini and tomatoes with lean meats for a sweetened and smoky flavor. For those family members who don’t crave vegetables, go for the crisp taste and dress your salad with crunchy nuts and sweet fruits using Marzetti Fruit and Nut Salad Accents or add some Marzetti Simply Dressed Ranch dressing to make the veggies more appealing. In fact, more than one in four Americans say they’ll eat vegetables if they can’t tell they’re eating them, according to a survey. * Power up with a partner - Get active this spring with a friend or with the entire family. Sign up for something new like a boxing class or dance class you can enjoy together. Having a partner or group turns the activity into a social event, and it also helps to keep you accountable. A benefit to staying active? A report by the Huffington Post says people doing physical activities with a spouse, friends or coworker enjoyed the activity more, and were happier. * Keep it simple for a big impact - Instead of setting a huge goal that may seem daunting and unattainable, set mini, achievable goals for yourself. Make simple changes you can incorporate daily to help improve your health. Some ways to do this include: Ditch the elevators - Take the stairs at work, the shopping mall or the hotel.

Pick up cycling - Bike to work, or take a ride after work.

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arm weather is great for trips to the pool or beach, but not so good for the inside of cars, which can rise to deadly temperatures in a very short period of time.

their bodies heat up three to five times faster than those of adults. When a child’s internal temperature reaches 104 degrees, major organs begin to shut down. A body temperature of 107 degrees can be fatal.

So what can parents and caregivers do to prevent heatstroke? Safe Kids Worldwide and the General Motors Foundation want to remind everyone to ACT with these three simple steps:

Many people are shocked to learn how hot the inside of a car can actually get. Even on a mild 70 degree day, the temperature inside a car can rise 19 degrees in 10 minutes and keep getting hotter with each passing minute. The temperature can continue to climb much higher than it is outside, and cracking the windows doesn’t help.

* A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own. * C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine. * T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.

Since 1998, at least 617 children have died from heatstroke when left unattended in a vehicle. That’s one child every 10 days. More than half of these children were simply forgotten; something that can happen to the most loving and caring parents when their routine is changed. Other heatstroke deaths were a result of a child intentionally being left in a vehicle or climbing into a vehicle on their own and not being able to get out.

While hot temperatures in cars can be dangerous for anyone, children are especially susceptible to heatstroke because

Losing a child to heatstroke is a tragedy that is completely preventable. To learn more about how to protect your child from heatstroke and other safety tips, visit safekids.org.

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air Envy, recently opened their doors for business this past May. It’s owners, April and Angie, combined have 50 years experience in the hair industry. In fact, April is an award winning published stylist who specializes in color, cutting, hair weaving and has been recognized by her peers in the hair industry. Angie holds an educators license. She is extremely passionate about cutting, coloring and natural hair care.

Angie’s hairstyles have also been highlighted in major magazines and she has also been recognized as an innovator and a motivator.

The Hair Envy design team is composed of an award winning barber, Kia White, who has been cutting hair since 1999. She has become a recognizable force in the barbering industry as an educator specializing in all types of cuts, designs and coloring.

This leads us to Tonya Dupree who has been styling hair for 19 years and is a licensed educator and cosmetologist.

She specializes in cuts,

Hair Envy prides itself on developing a close relationship with their clients , who generally becomes like family.

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silk wraps, weaves and up do’s. She is very passionate about her work and she has been featured on stage and in some of the top magazines of our times.

Then we have Heather White who is a licensed waxologist and a licensed cosmetologist.

Specializing in eyebrows and bikinis (Brazilian) waxing, Heather gives you the total body experience in a private setting.

This brings us to Reannen Dixon, the newest member the team. She

finger tips and DIY sites.

Hair envy are huge advocates of education and they want their clients to know that their is a science behind coloring, perming ,and relaxing hair. It’s extremely important to have a stylist that specializes in your hair care needs in order to keep your hair healthy.

is relatively new to the hair industry; however, she brings something young, fresh and edgy to the table. She specializes in weaves and does everything from cuts to coloring and numerous types of styles. With her creative talents and bubbly personality she is perfect for what the new generation of hair needs.

Hair Envy prides itself on developing a close relationship with their clients , who generally becomes like family. We live in a day and age where information is available at our

While hair is versatile it can be worn in various styles, it is While hair is versatile it also delican be worn in various styles, it is also delicate cate and and requires a lot of tender love and care. Not requires a only do we specializing lot of tenin coloring, perming, relaxing, sew-ins, ,natural hair, locs and braids they der love also specialize in main- and care. taining healthy hair. Each person has different hair care needs depending on the hair, they may need to come in more often than others. Hair Envy encourages their clients to come in as often as necessary to keep their hair thriving and healthy.

Their rates are competitive and affordable and they offer convenient salon hours to accommodate their clients. Stop by and visit Hair Envy at 5103 West Mercury Blvd.

Hampton, Virginia 23605 or call the salon at 757224-3031.

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martphones have become an essential part of everyday life; from texting and email to social media, Americans rely heavily on their mobile devices. If your mobile phone was taken away, how long could you survive without it?

The answer may surprise you: nearly half (47 percent) of U.S. consumers polled say they could not go more than one day without their smartphone, according to the inaugural Bank of America Trends in Consumer Mobility Report. An overwhelming majority (85 percent) say they check their phones at least a few times a day, while more than one-third (35 percent) admit to constantly checking their mobile device.

The survey, which explored mobile trends and banking behaviors among adults across the country, found the need for constant connectivity also extends to banking. Of those respondents who said they use their phones for mobile banking, almost onethird (31 percent) say they log on at least once a day, and more than four out of five (82 percent) access their accounts at least once a week or more.

The report revealed further interesting insights into consumer mobile banking behaviors and preferences, including:

becoming more prevalent on mobile devices.

Consumers are also using their smartphones for more complex transactions, including mobile check deposit. Nearly six in 10 (58 percent) respondents have used mobile check deposit, and 38 percent use it frequently. “Our customers appreciate the convenience of being able to complete their deposit anytime, anywhere and are depositing an average of 170 thousand checks via mobile device every day,� says Marc Warshawsky, mobile solutions executive at Bank of America. * Consumers prefer a mix of banking options. Mobile and online banking are becoming more widely used, but visits to bank branches are still common. The survey found that 84 percent of respondents have visited a bank branch within the past six months. Most commonly, Americans make a trip to the bank to make a deposit, withdraw funds and speak with a banking associate.

However, just 23 percent of respondents say they complete the majority of their banking transactions at a branch. Nearly half (47 percent) report turning to mobile or online banking as their preferred method. * Consumers comfortable with added security measures. In the next two years, 60 percent of consumers say they would be comfortable with a fingerprint scan/swipe security feature to gain access to their mobile banking app.

Nearly one-third expressed comfort with retina scans (32 percent) and voice recognition (33 percent).

* Mobile banking is on the rise. More than half (62 percent) of respondents have at least tried mobile banking, while an overwhelming majority (90 percent) are using online banking. When using their bank’s mobile app, U.S. consumers most commonly check their balance, transfer funds between accounts and pay bills.

For additional insights into consumer mobility, view the full Bank of America Trends in Consumer Mobility Report at www.newsroom.bankofamerica.com/presskits.

* Sophisticated banking transactions

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or many, earning a college degree opened the door to the working world; it may have even been instrumental in landing your current job. But are you applying what you learned in college to your current career field? A recent survey suggests this might not be the case.

Only 35 percent of college-educated workers consider all or most of what they learned in college to be applicable to their current jobs, according to a survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix.

Today, many working adults are returning

to college to either complete a degree that better aligns with the skills required for their current job or earn a second degree to gain additional experience for a potential career change. The National Center for Education Statistics reports an estimated 8.7 million adults over the age of 25 were planning to enroll in college in 2013, up nearly 37 percent from 2000.

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“There is significant progress being made in higher education to adapt to the needs of the employment market and tie curriculum to careers earlier in a student’s education,” says University of Phoenix School of Business Executive Dean Ruth Veloria.

“It is critical to choose the right degree program so you know the knowledge you glean from coursework can be applied to

the career you desire.”

Veloria offers these tips to help you get the most out of your educational experience: * Research degree programs with a career in mind - Don’t wait until you are enrolled in college to determine your career path.

Research specific positions, develop learning plans with an academic advisor and take career and skills assessments. Phoenix Career Guidance System is designed to help any student - from those just starting to those looking to advance their careers - research jobs related to different degree programs and discover which fields best fit their interests and personalities. * Go straight to the source - If you know someone currently working in the career field in which you are interested, schedule an informational interview to learn more about the skills and experience required for that line of work. Don’t know anyone? Veloria recommends joining industry associations and attending networking events as a way to make new contacts and learn more about a new career field or job. * Communicate with your boss - Your

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return to school will most likely benefit your company, so share your education plans with your boss, including how your classroom learning can benefit colleagues and special projects in the workplace. If your manager feels invested in your goals, it could be a source of support and motivation for you. Additionally, contact your human resources department to see if the company offers education reimbursement benefits to help pay for school. * Consider certificate programs that lead to a degree - Many working adults balance school with workplace and family priorities, so it can take additional time to earn a college degree. University of Phoenix offers a certificate option that allows you to move core courses toward the front of your degree program. This program allows you to earn certificates along the way to degree completion to help you gain the knowledge needed to elevate your career.

“Researching and planning the education path you need to achieve your career goals is very important,” says Veloria. “You want to know that the skills you learn in college are the skills you need to advance your career to the next level.”

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